Kittle Powers His Way Into The Cleanup Spot

April 07, 1986|By Ed Sherman, Chicago Tribune.

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. — Ron Kittle`s outstanding spring earned him the cleanup spot in Monday`s season opener against Milwaukee. Kittle hit .316 with two homers and 14 runs batted in. He also struck out only six times in 76 at-bats.

``I`ve never seen Kittle better than this spring,`` said Sox manager Tony LaRussa. ``That includes 1983 (when Kittle won the Rookie of the Year award). He`s had a ton of good at-bats. It was one of the big pluses coming out of training camp.``

``I`m feeling pretty good,`` said Kittle. ``I`m seeing the ball well. I hope it carries over into the season.``

-- LaRussa will start Wayne Tolleson at third base Monday. He had considerd using Tim Hulett there.

Hulett will swing between second and third this year. Julio Cruz will open at second Monday. Cruz hit .359 this spring, Tolleson .267 and Hullet .203.

``In making the decision, I went with the guys who had the two best springs,`` said LaRussa. ``Tim might be disappointed that he`s not starting the opener, but he`s going to play a lot for us.``

-- Bears` coach Mike Ditka will throw out the first pitch Monday.

-- The Sox are 41-44 on Opening Days. This will be their first season home opener since 1980.